Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have dislodged a notorious terrorist syndicate operating in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, recovering a cache of ammunition and logistics items during a raid.
The Acting Media and Information Officer of the Command, Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, disclosed that troops from Sector 1 of the operation acted on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the activities of a notorious bandit leader.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that the criminal kingpin and his associates were operating from a hideout at Mtan Village in Utange Council Ward of the local government area.
Zubairu explained that troops advanced to the location and engaged the armed terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon their enclave and flee.
He added that during a subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered two motorcycles believed to belong to the bandit leader, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition, links of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and seven empty 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings. A red Toyota vehicle discovered at the scene was also demobilised to prevent its further use for criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Moses Gara, commended the intelligence team for providing timely information that led to the success of the operation.
Gara emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities. He urged residents to continue providing credible information, stressing that timely intelligence remains crucial in tackling terrorism and other criminal activities within Benue State.
